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Auburn University, in the heart of Alabama farm country is one of the true Southern Universities that make up the Southeastern Conference. The city of Auburn, Alabama is known primarily because of Auburn University, and the city is largely centered around the university campus. The fact that most Alabama fans would like to forget, is that Auburn played football in Alabama before the University of Alabama, playing Georgia in 1892. Auburn is home to three Heisman Trophy Winners (Cam Newton, Bo Jackson, and Pat Sullivan), and two National Championships (2010, 1957). The school is also home to 11 conference championships, and seven undefeated seasons.

The story behind Jordan-Hare Stadium is that it was named for Ralph “Shug” Jordan (Auburn’s all-time winningest coach) and Cliff Hare (a member of the 1892 team). The field is named Pat Dye Field, after Pat Dye who was a college hall-of-fame coach with 12 years of his time at Auburn University. The facility opened in 1939 in a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, and was expanded to its current 87,451 capacity in 2004. The field plays host every other year to one of the great college rivalries, the Iron Bowl against Alabama.

Jordan-Hare Stadium is a great example of what is right about college football, especially in the South.

4.3

What is FANFARE?

The FANFARE scale is our metric device for rating each stadium experience. It covers the following:

Food & Beverage

Atmosphere

Neighborhood

Fans

Access

Return on Investment

Extras

Each area is rated from 0 to 5 stars with 5 being the best. The overall composite score is the "FANFARE Score".

Food & Beverage
3

The food selection at Jordan-Hare is not bad. They have everything from cotton candy to peanuts, along with all the usual stadium fare. The prices will catch up with you quickly ($4 a soft drink is a bit steep, but not unexpected) and the lack of any unique features disappoints. More options, especially some barbeque or other traditional southern fare would add to the overall fan experience.

Atmosphere
4

The atmosphere at Auburn represents what is great about SEC football, along with some of its faults. The "Tiger Walk", is one of the truly great traditions in the SEC, with fans gathering along the path to watch their Tigers come in two hours before kickoff. It is an electric atmosphere, with as many as 20,000 fans lining up to watch the team come in.

The War Eagle chant as the majestic eagle flies around the facility before landing at midfield is another great moment that any fan of college football should want to experience. 80,000 plus chanting Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar Eagle! Hey! is a fun way to start any college football experience. Also the usage of Twitter on the message board is a fun interactive feature for the fans.

The side of the faults is the unrealistic expectations of many SEC fanbases. Auburn is coming off of a rough season in 2012 and had already suffered a loss by the time of the visit to Jordan-Hare. The stadium was not close to full at any point, which says much more about the expectations of the SEC than it does about Auburn. The game was a sell-out, but like many teams in the SEC, fans stay home instead of using their ticket, if they feel that their team is out of the race. The crowd was loud, passionate and excited, just missing about 10,000 fans which was sad to see.

Neighborhood
5

Auburn, Alabama competes with Oxford, Mississippi as one of America's best small college towns. It's a small town with southern charm and a love for the University. Auburn, Alabama seems to exist because of the University, and without it, seems like it would be a tiny little spot off of the expressway.

One place you must visit in Auburn is Toomer's Corner, a drugstore (in which the trees across the street are named after) that sells the "World's Best Lemonade." Toomer's trees are slowly dying thanks to Harvey Updyke, but on this afternoon, the trees were properly rolled to celebrate an Auburn victory.

Other great places to eat or drink in Auburn are Momma Goldberg's Deli, the 17-16 Bar, the Bourbon Street Bar, the Amsterdam Cafe, and Price's Barbeque House. There are many great food stops in Auburn, along with a few hotels, such as the Hotel at Auburn University and the Holiday Inn Express Hotel. Those are the top two hotel recommendations among about 15 in total in and around the Auburn area. Be aware that hotels on game day are not cheap, as it is a small community, and there are few choices outside of those in the region.

Fans
5

Auburn fans, like many SEC fans are proud to represent their Tigers. Everywhere around the city Orange and Blue reign supreme. Auburn logos cover the city on game day, and the fanbase is very proud of their Tigers. They view themselves as a family, and proudly represent their University.

Auburn fans are definitely the most polite fans this author has experienced in many trips across the South. They are incredibly helpful, and give some great suggestions of places to go and experience in and around the University. If you need some help while in town, don't be afraid to ask the advice of someone who seems like they have been to many games, they are likely to help you out. Plus the University has a fan fest set up for each game, where fans can come and celebrate their Auburn pride. Overall it is an enjoyable experience to be at the game.

Access
4

The University is located off of Interstate 85, between Montgomery (about 50 miles to the west) and Atlanta, Georgia (110 miles to the Northeast). Access to the city is very easy; just follow the signs pointing in the direction of the University.

Getting to Jordan-Hare Stadium on the other hand, requires a walk. Parking on campus is reserved for season ticket holders, and most off campus lots sell out quickly. Prices range from $25-$35. Definitely check out Parkwhiz.com as it is used by the University to reserve spots ahead of time, which makes parking much easier on game day.

Return on Investment
4

Remembering that tickets in the SEC are expensive, Auburn is fairly priced. Expect a family of four to spend somewhere between $200-$300 on tickets and concessions for a regular season opponent. If you are looking to experience the Iron Bowl, or another marquee game, the cost will definitely be higher. The cost fits well into other SEC facilities, and is well worth the trip, because of the atmosphere at Auburn.

Extras
5

Toomer's Corner, a live eagle flying around the stadium, and some of the most polite people in the country add up to a great time. Come early, enjoy all that Auburn offers and enjoy the day. It will not disappoint.

Also Auburn Arena, Auburn's new basketball facility, features a museum featuring many items from Auburn's history. These items include the 2010-2011 Coaches' Trophy, Bo Jackson's Heisman Trophy, and many other items that make it worth a trip down the street to visit the facility. The Lovelace Hall of Honor is open 90 minutes before the game.

Final Thoughts

The trip to Auburn, Alabama will not disappoint a college football fan. The fanbase is passionate, polite and provides a great atmosphere. There is definitely enough to do to fill a day in the city, and plenty of great restaurants. If you plan to stay the night, book well in advance, or stay in Montgomery and drive into Auburn on game day. Overall, it is a place that any fan of college football will enjoy, and even an occasional Alabama fan will admit is not a bad place to visit.

I\'ve attend Alabama - Auburn games there dressed all out in Bama stuff, and for the most part, the

I've attend Alabama - Auburn games there dressed all out in Bama stuff, and for the most part, the fans were very nice. Only the younger ones barked some, but then the last time I was there was the famous, Honk if you sacked Brodie game...

I thought the fans in the stadium were FANTASTIC good sports and I had them in stitches as I was the only Bama fan dressed out like I was, in the front row of the upper deck, and after Auburn yet clobbered us again and turned around and yelled to them all, "Oh yeah!? Well our cheerleaders are prettier!" and got howls and a free drink out of it from the good natured fans.

This review is one of the reasons I absolutely love being and Auburn fan. I currently attend and lov

This review is one of the reasons I absolutely love being and Auburn fan. I currently attend and love everyday of it. I believe Auburn is the greatest place on the planet. But, of course, I'm biased one way on the subject.

One thing I would like to correct is the restaurant Cheeseburger Cheeseburger is actually Cheeburger Cheeburger.

Crowd Reviews

Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium and the Loveliest Village on the Plains

Total Score: 3.86

Jordan-Hare Stadium was built in 1939 and is located on the campus of Auburn University, which is located in the town of Auburn, AL.

Auburn is located some 50 miles northeast of Montgomery, AL and approximately 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, GAâ?? just off of I-85.

Jordan-Hare (pronounced /Je'r-de'n/-Hare by the locals) carries the names of Ralph "Shug" Jordan, who is Auburn's winningest football coach and Cliff Hare, who was a member of Auburn's first football team. Cliff Hare went on to become the Dean of the Auburn University School of Chemistry as well as President of the Southern Conference.

How would I describe Auburn University? We have all heard the term "small college town;" well, Auburn University would be a "small town college."

What do I mean when I describe Auburn University in this way? The town of Auburn is all about the college and in turn, Auburn University is all about the small town of Auburn.

They call Auburn "The Loveliest Village on the Plains" and that certainly is true. The town of Auburn could be described as Mayberry on steroids, and I mean that in the most complimentary way. Auburn University dominates the town of Auburn, both geographically and ideologically.

The town of Auburn has a population of just over 50,000 and I would wager that 90% of that population is connected to Auburn University in some form or fashion.

I tried to think of another situation where a town and the university carry the same name and are so intertwined with each other. Even though I am sure there is another, one just doesn't come to mind.

The moment you enter the city limits of Auburn, you know you are entering the home of Auburn Universityâ?? there is no doubt. Auburn is small town USA personified and Auburn University embraces that concept with pride.

Everyone in Auburn was so friendly and helpful and that affected my opinion of Auburn University and Jordan-Hare Stadium immensely.

Where War Eagles Soar and Tigers Roar

Total Score: 4.43

In college football, there are elite programs. Many of these programs are found in the Southeastern Conference, and among these programs are the Auburn Tigers. Auburn's football history dates back to 1892, when the Tigers played the first college football game in the Deep South ever against Georgia. Auburn won, 10-0, and since then have established a great tradition in that includes a 716-404-47 record, two national championships, three Heisman Trophy winners, seven undefeated seasons, eleven conference championships and five #1-overall NFL draft picks (tied for most with USC and Notre Dame).

Every great college football team needs a great home-field advantage, and Auburn is no exception. Jordan-Hare Stadium (named after Ralph "Shug" Jordan, Auburn's winningest coach ever, and Cliff Hare, a member of Auburn's first football team) was opened on November 10, 1939, as the Tigers played host to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Since then, many great moments have occurred at Jordan-Hare. Many great players have suited up on this field as well, such as Bo Jackson, Cam Newton, Cadillac Williams, Ed Dyas, Pat Sullivan, and many other greats.

Auburn has one of the best home-field advantages in college football, and a game at Jordan-Hare is a must for any true college football fan.

Best overall experience

Total Score: 4.57

Nathan's review is spot-on. Tremendous overall experience. Classy fans who love their Tigers and are boisterous, but completely respectful to opposing fans. One of the few places where talk of "family" really seems sincere and holds true. The traditions of the pre-game flight of the War Eagle and post-game "rolling" of Toomer's Corner are two of the best in any sport, much less college football. First rate experience and a must for any college football fan. Regardless of your allegiance, they'll make you feel welcome.

A loud stadium with some great fans.

Total Score: 3.57

I saw several games here and thought it held weight with the best stadiums in the SEC. The place is arguably one of the loudest in the country and the fans are rabid. The stadium is located pretty much on campus and made for easy access. The tailgating wasn't nearly as good as at other SEC stadiums though.

Auburn

Total Score: 4.71

Great environment! Best is all of college football. Tiger walk, eagle flight, all need to be on everyones bucket list. Food is plentiful, reasonably prices, high quality, and many varieties. One of best in SEC!

Merely Average

Total Score: 3.00

If you're going to Auburn, go when the Tigers are competitive and winning. The atmosphere and the fan base are unlike no other when they're winning. When they aren't winning, Jordan-Hare Stadium is a dud, which gives a fan base a low score in my book.

Getting there isn't the easiest place to get to but not overly hard for the fact there is nothing really between Columbus and Montgomery besides Auburn.

Besides their hedges and their big scoreboard, the stadium at Auburn isn't much to look at really. Two major decks on each sideline and that is pretty much it.

The worst part about Auburn is their food. There's more variety outside the stadium than inside the stadium and the food quality is rough. I had a hot dog and I could have been fooled by eating two large croutons for hot dog buns and an eraser in the middle. It was brutal.

Overall, I was very disappointed on my trip to Auburn, but maybe I am thinking it was because the Tigers were not doing so hot.

Homer Review

Total Score: 4.71

Basically everything the official review, except the food and beverage needs to be amended. I believe that there have been improvements in this area, especially right outside the stadium with the addition of food trucks and the student center has Chick-Fil-A and other restaurants. They have tried to fix the parking issues by adding a parking deck right next to the stadium and a few more lots. I don't know if his review was before these additions but it still is packed every weekend. But that is to be expected from a big school.